Meet Our Team

Andy Hanson

Managing Principal

CPA

Role:

Andy Hanson serves as the Managing Principal of Elder Hanson & Company, Ltd. and has over 15 years of public accounting experience. He oversees the internal operations of the company and helps guide the firm’s strategy and vision. Andy assists team members and clients in providing the following services: accounting, bookkeeping, income tax planning, income tax preparation, payroll services, trust and estate income tax planning, trust and estate income tax preparation and consulting.

Achievements:

Bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Certified Public Accountant and QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

Interests:

In his free time, Andy enjoys playing golf, learning about new technology, and playing card and board games with his family. He is a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.

Rick Elder

Founding Principal

CPA

Role:

Rick Elder is the Founding Principal of Elder Hanson & Company, Ltd. and has over 40 years of public accounting experience. Rick enjoys working with a full spectrum of clients from new businesses to those that have been loyal since the firm’s inception. Rick assists team members and clients in providing the following services: accounting, income tax planning, income tax preparation, trust and estate income tax planning, trust and estate income tax preparation and consulting.

Achievements:

Bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Certified Public Accountant.

Interests:

In his free time, Rick enjoys playing golf, collecting logo golf balls from the golf courses he has played and playing cards with family and friends. He is a fan of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears.

Lindsey Hanson

Principal

CPA

Role:

Lindsey Hanson serves as a Principal at Elder Hanson & Company, Ltd. and has over 15 years of public accounting experience. She handles internal accounting, human resources and other back office responsibilities of the firm.

Achievements:

Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner.

Interests:

In her free time, Lindsey enjoys doing yoga, traveling and playing card and board games with her family.

Ed Pennington

Senior Tax Advisor

CPA

Role:

Ed Pennington serves as a Senior Tax Advisor at Elder Hanson & Company, Ltd. and has over 30 years of public accounting experience. His vast tax knowledge and tax research skills are of great benefit to the firm and our clients. Ed assists team members and clients in providing the following services: accounting, income tax planning, income tax preparation, payroll services, trust and estate income tax planning, trust and estate income tax preparation and consulting.

Achievements:

Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University, Certified Public Accountant and QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

Interests:

In his free time, Ed enjoys going on motorcycle rides and spending time with friends and family. He is a fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.

Renay Schaefer

Accounting & Tax Advisor

CPA

Role:

Renay Schaefer serves as an Accounting & Tax Advisor at Elder Hanson & Company, Ltd. and has over 25 years of public accounting experience. She works closely with clients to diligently keep them on track. Renay assists team members and clients in providing the following services: accounting, bookkeeping, income tax planning, income tax preparation, payroll services, trust and estate income tax preparation and consulting.

Achievements:

Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Certified Public Accountant and QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

Interests:

In her free time, Renay enjoys spending time with her family near and far. She is a fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Carolyn Kaatz

Accounting & Tax Associate

CPA

Role:

Carolyn Kaatz serves as an Accounting & Tax Associate at Elder Hanson & Company, Ltd. and has over 7 years of public accounting experience. She enjoys learning about new technologies that enhance her skill set and sharing her knowledge with clients. Carolyn assists team members and clients in providing the following services: accounting, bookkeeping, income tax planning, income tax preparation, payroll services, trust and estate income tax preparation and consulting.

Achievements:

Interests:

In her free time, Carolyn enjoys reading, knitting and spending time with her dogs and family.

Mike Rizzo

Accounting & Tax Associate

Role:

Mike Rizzo serves as an Accounting & Tax Associate at Elder Hanson & Company, Ltd. and has completed one tax season in public accounting. He is a quick learner and eager to help clients. Mike assists team members and clients in providing the following services: accounting, bookkeeping, income tax preparation and consulting.

Achievements:

Bachelor’s degree from Saint Xavier University and QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

Interests:

In his free time, Mike enjoys spending time with his friends and family. He is a fan of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears.

Amber Esparza

Administrative Assistant

Role:

Amber Esparza serves as the Administrative Assistant at Elder Hanson & Company, Ltd. As the firm’s client service ambassador, she enjoys working with clients to help address their needs. Amber assists our team members and clients in providing the following services: bookkeeping, walking through tax and accounting documents and corresponding about various client matters.

Achievements:

Bachelor’s degree from Lewis University and QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

Interests:

In her free time, Amber enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading and doing Sudoku puzzles. She is a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.